Americorps Alums Membership Guide for Partners: Communications Templates to Share Alums Membership & Celebrate Americorps Graduations

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AmeriCorps Alums Membership Guide for Partners: Communications Templates to Share Alums Membership & Celebrate AmeriCorps Graduations

A communications and resource guide to connect your AmeriCorps members to the AmeriCorps Alums member network (including our resources and member benefits) and celebrate their graduation from AmeriCorps. This guide is for AmeriCorps Alums chapters and all national service partners, especially state commissions and programs with currently serving AmeriCorps members or alumni.

This document is also available at http://www.americorpsalums.org/page/MembershipPartner.

Last Updated: May 2016

Contents

Thank You for Your Interest in Partnering: A Letter from Ben and Mary ...... 3 FAQS: Becoming an AmeriCorps Alums Membership Partner & Why It Matters ...... 4 AmeriCorps Alums Staff Contact Info & Ways to Stay Connected to Alums ...... 7 Communication Resources/Templates ...... 8 Share AmeriCorps Alums Membership ...... 9 AmeriCorps Alums Registration Link for Your Website ...... 10 Newsletter – Long Version (Dedicated Email) for Current Corps Members ...... 11 Newsletter – Long Version (Dedicated Email) for Alumni of Your Program ...... 12 Newsletter – Short Version for Current Corps Members ...... 13 Introductory PowerPoint ...... 14 5 Suggested Social Media Posts for Facebook & Twitter ...... 15 One Page Flyer ...... 16 Celebrate AmeriCorps Graduations ...... 18 Newsletter – Long Version (Dedicated Email) for Current Corps Members to Send on Behalf of AmeriCorps Alums ...... 19 Newsletter – Short Version for Current Corps Members ...... 20 Newsletter – Short Version for Alumni of Your Program ...... 21 Suggested Social Media ...... 22 Thank You to Our National Service Partners! ...... 23

Thank You for Your Interest in Partnering: A Letter from Ben and Mary

Dear Friends, Thank you for helping ensure all AmeriCorps members and alums have access to the resources they need to navigate “life after AmeriCorps.” That’s our mission at AmeriCorps Alums, the only national network connecting alumni of all AmeriCorps programs to the people, ideas, and resources that help them reach their full potential as engaged citizens and civic leaders.

In 2014, we surveyed AmeriCorps alumni across the country and learned that three in four strongly agree they want a career that impacts the world around them. However, only a third felt they had all the tools they needed to continue their education and move from their service experience into their next professional job. Our member benefits—which are FREE to all alumni—include:

 Professional development through our monthly webinars, career newsletters, virtual events, and jobs board  Higher education opportunities including specialized access to university partners  Discounts or benefits programs on products like car insurance, mortgage assistance, tax returns, health insurance, and more  Opportunities to amplify the “voice” of Alums through advocacy, press, guest blogging, speaking engagements, and government relations  Networking and service opportunities with our online network of more than a hundred thousand alums and our on-the-ground network with local chapters across the country.

Unfortunately, many graduating AmeriCorps members and alums are not aware of these resources. While they are asked on their AmeriCorps exit forms if they would like to share their information with the alumni association, we do not receive their contact information—even if they’ve asked to share it with us. With your help, we aim to double our network membership in AmeriCorps Alums, so that more Corps member and alums have what they need to grow as civic leaders, for life.

Thank you for partnering with us.

-Mary Bruce and Ben Duda Co-Executive Directors, AmeriCorps Alums

P.S. Ready to start sharing information about AmeriCorps Alums membership today? Click here to jump to our sample PowerPoints, flyers, social media templates, and more in this guide!

FAQS: Becoming an AmeriCorps Alums Membership Partner & Why It Matters

1. What/Who Is an AmeriCorps Alums Membership Partner? An AmeriCorps Alums Membership Partner is any organization that works with, or hosts, AmeriCorps members or alumni that would like to help those individuals become members of AmeriCorps Alums network at www.AmeriCorpsAlums.org. You can view our 70+ membership partners here, which include AmeriCorps state service commissions in addition to national AmeriCorps programs and nonprofits. Our active alumni chapter partners can be found here.

AmeriCorps Alums is the only national organization that connects alumni of all AmeriCorps programs to the ideas, people, and resources that support a lifetime of service.

2. Can Individuals Join as Membership Partners? Not at this time. However, we do welcome champions of AmeriCorps members and alumni to consider donating to support the alumni network. You can also join the AmeriCorps Alums network at www.AmeriCorpsAlums.org by registering as a friend/family member or as an AmeriCorps staff member. Click here to start your registration, which will enable you to receive AmeriCorps Alums’ two monthly newsletters.

3. How Do Organizations Sign Up as Membership Partners & Is There Any Cost to Partner? There’s no cost to partner! Sign up as a Membership Partner by emailing [email protected] with the subject line: “Commitment to Serve as an AmeriCorps Alums Membership Partner.” A member of the AmeriCorps Alums staff will be in touch within one week about your partnership request.

4. What are the Expectations of AmeriCorps Alums Membership Partners? AmeriCorps Alums Membership Partners are expected to make it easy for their AmeriCorps members to join AmeriCorps Alums by sharing information about AmeriCorps Alums membership, member benefits, and resources. Partners can fulfill this partner expectation by offering an auto-registration option before the end of their Corps members’ AmeriCorps term that will allow those members to be auto-registered with Alums (see Question 5 for details on how to do this).

5. How Do I Auto-Register My AmeriCorps Members with AmeriCorps Alums? We recommend sending an email like this outlining the auto-registration opportunity

with AmeriCorps Alums that includes a link to an easy opt-out form to help members opt-out of auto-registration if they so choose. You can view a sample opt-out form here.

Once you receive all opt-out requests, download your current member data, remove any individuals who have opted out, and add your data to the Excel template available at http://www.americorpsalums.org/page/membershippartner to help us auto-register your members. Email us your file by contacting [email protected].

The required fields to auto-register members (which are pre-populated in the Excel template) are as follows: First Name, Last Name, Email Address, City, State, AmeriCorps Program Name, and Service Year (indicate first year of service).

6. Why Is It Important for Programs to Share Member Information with AmeriCorps Alums? Our goal is to partner with you to make sure AmeriCorps members have a successful transition after service and stay connected to the larger national service network. Below are the top three reasons to become an AmeriCorps Alums Membership Partner

a) It matters to your members. Each year, AmeriCorps members and alumni struggle to reach their full potential. In fact, only one in three alumni strongly agree that upon ﬁnishing their service, they knew how to navigate “life after AmeriCorps” (e.g. ﬁnd jobs, get into schools of their choice) according to the 2014 survey of alumni. Yet, even though they don’t feel connected to resources, three in four alumni strongly agree they want a career that impacts the world around them. How can we provide a stronger support network together? We hear time and again that alumni struggle to navigate next steps, find meaningful work after AmeriCorps, or pay for the education they need to be successful in today’s economy.

One alum recently shared, “I was really proud of my service, but now I’ve been underemployed for 6 months. I have skills and degrees and passion…It is incredibly frustrating and disappointing.” By connecting your Corps members to AmeriCorps Alums before they graduate from AmeriCorps, you can help make sure your alums are connected to opportunity, a supportive network, and free resources.

b) It matters to the future of national service – and the future of our country. Corps members’ lack of connection to the professional development resources they need to succeed means they are less likely to complete their term of service and secure meaningful employment after service. They are more likely to incur a larger debt burden as they pursue their education. The future pool of Corps members is also at risk as the narrative spreads that Corps members are not well supported in these critical professional steps. All of this adds up to a community of changemakers who are ready to continue a life of service and leadership but remain untapped and underleveraged.

c) It matters to you. We know how dedicated you are to your program, to your Corps members and alumni, and to the future of national service. We also know how hard your job is (we’ve been there!). So, AmeriCorps Alums is working hard, every day, to provide more resources and benefits to you and your members and alumni. This includes offering quarterly meetings with AmeriCorps staff members and partner newsletters from Alums to share the latest news and resources.

Want to sign up for our quarterly newsletters and/or trainings? Click here.

7. What are the Benefits of Being an AmeriCorps Alums Member Benefits Partner? AmeriCorps Alums Membership Partners will be recognized with their logo on our website for at least one year. In addition, partners will receive our quarterly partner newsletter and invitations to our “Alum Staffers” free trainings, a peer-led group that meets once a quarter to offer alumni engagement and career support best practices.

8. How Does AmeriCorps Alums Keep Member Data Secure? All member information is stored in our Salesforce database. Salesforce technology is Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) Compliant and aligns with the highest standards in information security and safety as established by the U.S. Government. Once the e-mail is received, data will be uploaded to Salesforce, and the e- mail promptly deleted.

9. How Will Our Organization Know AmeriCorps Alums has Received the Information? You will receive a confirmation receipt within seven days of submitting the information.

10. What Does AmeriCorps Alums Need from Our Organization Once We Auto-Register Our Members? Once you submit your member data, your work is done! We manage all the heavy lifting! From communicating to your members about upcoming events to organizing and managing all of our events at no cost to your members. AmeriCorps Alums manages the data upload to Salesforce and communications with members. We also provide “Life after AmeriCorps” trainings, and keep your members connected beyond their term(s) of service.

AmeriCorps Alums Staff Contact Info & Ways to Stay Connected to Alums Want to learn more about our work? Connect with AmeriCorps Alums staff, subscribe to our newsletters by registering with us, and follow us on social media. We’re excited to hear from you!

AmeriCorps Alums Staff

Ben Duda AmeriCorps Alums Co-Executive Director

Email: [email protected] Phone: 404-979-2923

Mary Bruce AmeriCorps Alums Co-Executive Director

Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-610-9903

Maria Caruso AmeriCorps Alums Senior Coordinator, Communications & Special Projects

Email: [email protected] Phone: 678-399-2481

Vanecia Thompson AmeriCorps Alums Development Coordinator

Email: [email protected] Phone: 404-979-2931

AmeriCorps Alums News & Media

 Subscribe to our Newsletters: Click here to register with us and receive our newsletters. Our partners can select “AmeriCorps Alums Partner Org Representative,” or “Friend/Family/Fan of AmeriCorps Alums” if their organizational representative is not an alum.  Subscribe to our Blog: Get inspired by national service news, stories, and guest blogs from AmeriCorps members and alums. Click here to receive our latest blog in your inbox.  Connect on Social Media: Chat with us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Communication Resources/Templates

Target Audience: Currently serving AmeriCorps members and recent alums

Resources: Share AmeriCorps Alums Membership AmeriCorps Alums Registration Link for Your Website Newsletter – Long Version (Dedicated Email) for Current Corps Members Newsletter– Long Version (Dedicated Email) for Alumni of Your Program Newsletter – Short Version for Current Corps Members Introductory PowerPoint 5 Suggested Social Media Posts One Page Flyer

Celebrate AmeriCorps Graduations Newsletter – Long Version (Dedicated E-blast) for Current Corps Members Newsletter – Short Version for Current Corps Members Newsletter – Short Version for Alumni of Your Program Suggested Social Media

Share AmeriCorps Alums Membership

AmeriCorps Alums Registration Link for Your Website

Did you serve with AmeriCorps? Are you registered with the alumni association? Join—for free!—today at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join.

Newsletter – Long Version (Dedicated Email) for Current Corps Members

Subject line: Join AmeriCorps Alums Today: A Network that Gets Things Done for You!

Dear Corps Members,

Thank you for your service with AmeriCorps. You are joining a network of more than 900,000 Americans who have served more than 1 billion hours at more than 15,000 community-based organizations since 1994. We invite you to take 5 minutes and register today (it’s FREE!) with AmeriCorps Alums at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join. By registering, you gain access to professional development resources, networking and volunteering opportunities, member discounts, and the resources you deserve to kickstart your life after AmeriCorps.

We know when we completed AmeriCorps we had a lot of questions. How would I talk about AmeriCorps to future employers? Do any colleges or grad schools care that I did AmeriCorps? Is it true that I have to pay taxes on my education award? AmeriCorps Alums is here to help you answer these questions. Register today at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join. We are committed to helping you get the resources and support you need to navigate “life after AmeriCorps.”

When we graduated from AmeriCorps, we also knew we wanted to stay involved by volunteering, advocating for policy issues we cared about, and connecting with other alums. We do that, too! We have over 70 chapters across the country. Join today and learn more at: http://www.americorpsalums.org/join.

Thank you for your service, and welcome to AmeriCorps Alums!

-Mary Bruce & Ben Duda Co-Executive Directors AmeriCorps Alums

P.S. Did you know by registering you’ll be eligible for discounts on car insurance as well as other benefits? Register today at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join.

Newsletter – Long Version (Dedicated Email) for Alumni of Your Program

Subject line: Join AmeriCorps Alums Today: A Network that Gets Things Done for You!

Dear Alum,

You are part of a network of more than 900,000 Americans who have served more than 1 billion hours at more than 15,000 community-based organizations since 1994. If you haven’t yet, we invite you to take 5 minutes and register today (it’s FREE!) with AmeriCorps Alums at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join. By registering, you gain access to professional development resources, networking and volunteering opportunities, member discounts, and the resources you deserve to support your success after AmeriCorps.

We have opportunities for alumni of all backgrounds and at all stages of their career. You can serve as a mentor and role model to currently serving AmeriCorps members and young alums to help them learn from you and your career path after AmeriCorps. We’re always looking for spokespeople to share their stories of impact and service with us, press, funders, and public officials.

AmeriCorps Alums also offers ways to stay involved by volunteering, advocating for policy issues you care about and connecting with other alums. We have a robust online network on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook—as well as 70 chapters in 30+ states. Join today and learn more at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join.

In service,

Mary Bruce & Ben Duda Co-Executive Directors AmeriCorps Alums

P.S. Did you know by registering you’ll be eligible for discounts on car insurance as well as other benefits? Register today at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join.

Newsletter – Short Version for Current Corps Members

Congratulations on completing your term of service with AmeriCorps! You are part of a network that includes nearly one million Americans who have served more than 1 billion hours at more than 15,000 community-based organizations since 1994. Take five minutes and register today (it’s FREE!) with AmeriCorps Alums at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join. Key benefits to members of the alumni association include:

 Professional development through monthly career exploration webinars, a jobs board, and virtual events like Alums’ Virtual Resume Reviews and Career Fairs  Higher education connections, including the chance to engage with recruiters at Virtual Grad School Fairs  Discounts on essentials like car insurance, mortgage assistance, tax returns, health insurance and more  Advocacy, government relations, and storytelling on the Alums blog: you can shape the “Voice” of AmeriCorps Alums in the press and to public officials  Networking online with the Alums LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter communities and local chapters for service and social events

We’re committed to making sure you’re connected to the ideas, people, and resources you need to support your commitment to a lifetime of service and registering with AmeriCorps Alums is one of the best ways to do that. Join Alums for free today by registering at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join.

Introductory PowerPoint

A short and simple 5-minute PowerPoint presentation is available on this page of our website to help introduce AmeriCorps Alums membership: http://www.americorpsalums.org/page/MembershipPartner

5 Suggested Social Media Posts for Facebook & Twitter Please be sure to tag us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/foramericorpsalums/) and Twitter (@AmeriCorpsAlums)

1. Facebook: Join a network 1 million strong by registering with AmeriCorps Alums at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join.

Twitter version: Join a network that's nearly one million strong by registering with @AmeriCorpsAlums at http://bit.ly/1lok4Ya.

2. Facebook: You got things done for America. AmeriCorps Alums gets things done for you. Register at www.AmeriCorpsAlums.org.

Twitter Version: The above social media blurb is short enough for Twitter just be sure to tag @AmeriCorpsAlums use this bitly: http://bit.ly/1lok4Ya.

3. Facebook: Looking for job opportunities & support? Learn how to maximize your AmeriCorps experience in the job hunt & access free career webinars when you join AmeriCorps Alums: http://bit.ly/1lok4Ya.

Twitter Version: Calling all AmeriCorps alum job seekers! Join @AmeriCorpsAlums to access a jobs board & free career resources: http://bit.ly/1lok4Ya.

4. Facebook: Committed to lifelong service? So are we. Register with AmeriCorps Alums: http://bit.ly/1lok4Ya.

Twitter Version: The above social media blurb is short enough for Twitter (be sure to tag @AmeriCorpsAlums)

5. Facebook: With 70+ local AmeriCorps Alums chapters in 38 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriCorps alums have the ability to network and engage with their community across the nation. Stay connected! Register with Alums & then find your local chapter: http://bit.ly/1lok4Ya.

Twitter Version: With 70+ chapters, @AmeriCorpsAlums network and engage across the nation. Join & find your local chapter: http://bit.ly/1lok4Ya.

One Page Flyer

On the following page, find a sample flyer to use to share information about AmeriCorps Alums membership. It is also posted as a .pdf on this page of our website: https://americorpsalums.site- ym.com/page/MembershipPartner.

Celebrate AmeriCorps Graduations

Newsletter – Long Version (Dedicated Email) for Current Corps Members to Send on Behalf of AmeriCorps Alums

Subject: Connect to Resources after Your AmeriCorps Graduation!

Dear Corps members,

Thank you for dedicating a year to national service. You’ve worked tirelessly to better our communities. You’ve gained new skills and new friends. Your graduation is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to see what you do next!

Whether you’re pursuing a second year of service, heading back to school, or finding a job, you can find support with AmeriCorps Alums. We are the only national organization for alumni of all AmeriCorps programs. Join us this June to celebrate you! Check out www.AmeriCorpsAlums.org and register with us for free professional development, member benefits and updates on big initiatives like Employers of National Service and the June AmeriCorps Graduation Celebration that Alums leads.

It’s been a big year, and you’ve accomplished a lot. You’re part of a legacy of nearly one million alumni who have served with AmeriCorps since its founding in 1994. Together, we share a special bond as AmeriCorps alums (a.k.a. the National Ninja Warrior Squad alums, thanks to Jimmy Kimmel and Chelsea Clinton).

The connections you made in AmeriCorps don’t end when your service term ends. Stay connected by registering with AmeriCorps Alums. You can also follow us on our blog and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Keep up the great work!

In Service,

Mary Bruce & Ben Duda Co-Executive Directors AmeriCorps Alums

P.S. Did you know by registering you’ll be eligible for discounts on car insurance as well as other benefits? Register today at http://www.americorpsalums.org/join.

Newsletter – Short Version for Current Corps Members

Connect to Resources after Your AmeriCorps Graduation!

You’ve worked tirelessly to better our communities. You’ve gained new skills and new friends. Your graduation is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to see what you do next! Whether you’re pursuing a second year of service, heading back to school, or finding a job, you can find support with our programs. Join us and AmeriCorps Alums in June to celebrate you! Check out www.AmeriCorpsAlums.org to register with Alums for free professional development, member benefits, alumni news and updates on big initiatives like Employers of National Service and our June Graduation Celebration. Keep up the great work!

Newsletter – Short Version for Alumni of Your Program

Rediscover Your AmeriCorps Roots & Celebrate Incoming Alums!

You worked tirelessly to better our communities in AmeriCorps. It was hard. It was fun! And you’ll never forget the people you met and the skills you gained. AmeriCorps graduation for the newest generation of alums from our programs is right around the corner. Join us and AmeriCorps Alums in June to reconnect with your AmeriCorps roots and celebrate graduating Corps members! Check out www.AmeriCorpsAlums.org to register with Alums for the latest news and updates on big initiatives like Employers of National Service and our June Graduation Celebration. When you register, you’ll also be able to take advantage of their free career resources, member benefits, alum stories, and chapter network. It’s never too late to reconnect with the spirit of service that drove your AmeriCorps year. Celebrate your year of service and the lifetime of service we’re working toward!

Suggested Social Media

Stay tuned to http://www.americorpsalums.org/?Graduation! Social media templates and images will be updated each May before the start of the June graduation.

Thank You to Our National Service Partners! Thank you to our national service partners who first committed to better connecting their members with AmeriCorps Alums during the AmeriCorps Alums Membership Campaign for the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps (September 2014). Together, we’re working to ensure alumni of all AmeriCorps programs are connected to the resources they need to reach their full potential as engaged citizens and civic leaders. If you represent an organization not listed below and you would like to commit to sharing information about AmeriCorps Alums membership, email [email protected].

• ACE: A Community for Education • America Forward • America's Promise Alliance • Arizona Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism • ASC: America’s State Service Commission • California Volunteers • Cities of Service • Citizen Schools • City Year • Collective Action Training • College Possible • Communities in Schools • Community Health Corps • Delaware Governor's Commission on Community & Volunteer Service • FoodCorps • Habitat for Humanity • HandsOn Network • HIPPY USA • Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service • Jesuit Volunteer Corps NW • Jumpstart • Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service • LIFT • LISC • Maryland Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism • Mass Service Alliance • Mercy Corps Northwest • Michigan Community Service Commission • Minnesota Alliance with Youth • Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service • Minnesota Reading Corps • NACHC • NDMVA - Notre Dame Mission Volunteers AmeriCorps

• Nevada Volunteers • New Yorkers Volunteer • NGS Movement • NYC Service  Office of Volunteerism and Community Service, Virginia Dept. of Social Service • Ohio Association of Foodbanks • One Star Foundation • Oregon Volunteers • PennSERVE: The Governor’s Office of Citizen Service • PLAYWORKS • Points of Light • Public Allies • Reading Partners • Rebuilding Together • Rochester Youth Year • Serve Alabama— the Governors Office of Faith-based and Volunteer Service • Serve Alaska • Serve Colorado Governor’s Commission on Community Service • Serve CT • Serve DC—The Mayor's Office on Volunteerism • Serve Illinois • Serve Rhode Island • ServeNebraska • ServeOhio • SerVermont  Serve Wisconsin • Service Year Alliance • St Bernard Project • Teach For America • The Corps Network • The Service Collaborative of Western New York • United Way • Vet Corps of Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs • Voices for National Service • Volunteer Florida • Volunteer Tennessee • Volunteer West Virginia • Washington Commission on National and Community Service • Youth Volunteer Corps • YouthBuild USA